Hotel Industry News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the hotel sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on B&Bs, hotels, guesthouses and other property types.

The hotel sector is undergoing significant transformation, powered by new technologies, evolving guest expectations, and a renewed focus on direct booking and operational efficiency. PhocusWire delivers the latest hotel industry news, covering the strategies and innovations shaping the future of global hospitality.

Hotel chain developments, hospitality trends, and market shifts

Stay updated on how hotel brands are expanding, restructuring, and embracing digital platforms to elevate the guest experience. From contactless check-in and AI-powered pricing to loyalty evolution and branded residential offerings, our coverage tracks the industry’s response to changing demand and competitive pressure.

Amadeus talks trends, Innovation and platform
From Our Partners / Technology
Amadeus talks trends, Innovation and platform
By Mark Bedard | November 18, 2019
If the current hospitality industry could be summed up in a single word it could be this: evolution. Nearly everything we know about the guest and the industry is evolving. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Whispr wants to help frontline staff with voice guidance
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Whispr wants to help frontline staff with voice guidance
By Linda Fox | November 15, 2019
The company was recently accepted into IAG's Hangar 51 accelerator and has begun work with maintenance staff at Spain flag carrier, Iberia. Read More
hopper-acquires-gdx-travel
News / Technology
Hopper acquires GDX Travel, advancing NDC capacity and geographic growth
By Mitra Sorrells | November 14, 2019
The deal gives Hopper direct access to more than 25 regional and low-cost carriers in Latin America via IATA’s NDC. Read More
skyscanner-booking-2
News / Online
Skyscanner pivots from original model, becomes marketplace with bookings
By Kevin May | November 14, 2019
The U.K.-based company is at pains to point out that it is not "becoming an online travel agency" - instead it is offering a three-pronged approach to connecting users with air tickets. Read More
expedia-explore-2019
News / Distribution
Removing friction from travel is Expedia's "Everest" goal
By Jill Menze | November 14, 2019
Expedia Group is seeking to connect customers partners more intelligently as part of a bid to make it locally relevant. Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Kenneth Purcell
Interview / Technology
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Kenneth Purcell
By PhocusWire | November 14, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Up next: Kenneth Purcell of iSeatz. Read More
hotelbeds-HQ-spain
News / Distribution
HotelBeds to axe 5% of workforce as part of "optimization" strategy
By Linda Fox | November 13, 2019
The Spain-based bedbank says it has now consolidated into one business following its acquisitions, in early 2017, of Tourico Holidays and GTA. Read More
Accor gets access to Alibaba customers via distribution and loyalty deal
News / Distribution
Accor gets access to Alibaba customers via distribution and loyalty deal
By Linda Fox | November 11, 2019
The agreement aims to develop “digital applications and loyalty programs” by integrating Accor’s products and services within the Alibaba ecosystem. Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Amiad Soto
Interview / Distribution
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Amiad Soto
By PhocusWire | November 11, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick. Welcome to Amiad Soto of Guesty. Read More
Despegar reports growth in bookings and revenue, optimism from recent partner agreements
News / Distribution
Despegar reports growth in bookings and revenue, optimism from recent partner agreements
By Mitra Sorrells | November 7, 2019
Argentina-based Despegar reports gross bookings up 26% and revenue up 19% in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period a year earlier.    Read More
amadeus-Q3-earnings-2019-2
News / Distribution
Amadeus sees growth metrics in 2019 boosted by business expansion
By Linda Fox | November 7, 2019
The travel technology giant reported a 15% increase in revenue to €4.2 billion while EBITDA climbed just over 11% to €1.8 billion in the first nine months of 2019. Read More
Brand Business - Steven Taylor of Accor Hotels
Interview / Distribution
Brand Business - Steven Taylor of Accor Hotels
By Linda Fox | November 7, 2019
The hotel giant's chief marketing officer discusses the major shifts in the marketing discipline, the Billboard Effect and learning from the famous Dove campaign. Read More
How can your smart watch and mobile help you boost hotel revenues on the go?
From Our Partners / Technology
How can your smart watch and mobile help you boost hotel revenues on the go?
By Apurva Chamaria - RateGain | November 5, 2019
Revenue managers need flexibility and responsiveness that comes from mobile notifications. And so we built it. Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Ritesh Agarwal
Interview / Online
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Ritesh Agarwal
By PhocusWire | November 5, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Next up: Ritesh Agarwal of OYO Hotels and Homes. Read More
MakeMyTrip reports $181M in quarterly revenue, touts growing customer base
News / Distribution
MakeMyTrip reports $181M in quarterly revenue, touts growing customer base
By Steven Lerner | November 4, 2019
The India-based online travel agency saw gross bookings grow 20.6% year-over-year to $1.5 billion, at the same time as cutting marketing expenses by 10.5% to $40.1 million. Read More
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